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descripton of fingerprinting at the KOB Genetic Laboratory
The KOB genetic laboratory identifies different fruit cultivars by using molecular markers.
Experienced Pomologists identify cultivars by using phenological characteristics, such as the depth of stem bowl or calyx basin, growth and shape of the sepals, leaves, core, seeds, vascular bundles, fruit skin, fruit flesh, branch colour and so on, However, many phenological characteristics are subject to large variation due to differences in growing location, rootstock, growing method and weather conditions. This variation makes exact identification using tradition methods more difficult and unreliable.
With the variation present in mutations, traditional cultivar identification techniques are at their limit. Consequently, offences against license requirements or control quality in LEH cannot be investigated fully.
Since 2004 under the framework of INTERREG IIIA Bodensee-Alpenrhein-Hochrhein, the KOB has taken part in an international project to preserve old pomefruit cultivars. As a result of this project the phenological identification of fruit cultivars is now available from the KOB with genetic fingerprinting being used for paternity and kinship testing.
Using genetic markers, unknown cultivars can be compared with DNA-Fingerprints. Furthermore, the DNA fingerprints of already identified cultivars can be compared with those of unknown samples, if the cultivars already exist within the KOB data bank.
Genetic finger printing methodology is now routinely applied on apples, sweet and sour cherries while pears are currently under trial. The methodology for plums, apricots and peaches is in preparation and should be available in 2007.
The KOB now offers genetic cultivar identification as a commercial service to industry.
Plant Material required for cultivar identification
Almost all of parts of the tree are suitable for cultivar identification except for the seeds and opened flowers, for example healthy young fresh leaves, leaves, fruits, one year shoots, buds, barks, roots, stewed fruits and so on. The samples may be sent by normal post.